China – Chemical Tanker Explodes

Chemical tanker explodes in Nanjing, two missing

A chemical tanker exploded at the anchorage area near a petrochemical terminal operated by Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical in Nanjing yesterday.

According to local media reporting, the explosion happened during maintenance work on chemical tanker Su Dong You 0020, with the vessel anchored next to it Su Dong You 0021also suffering damage. There was no chemicals loaded onboard the two vessels when the explosion occurred.

The fire on the two vessels has been put out, and six of the eight crew onboard them have been rescued, however another two crew members are missing.

Authorities have started investigations into the accident while search and rescue operations are ongoing.